American Angler’s 18 Phantom has a double welded heavy gauge aluminum design with lifting strakes that means you will enjoy fishing from this stealthy performing fishing machine for years to come. Smoker Craft reaches above the rest for function and features such as standard gauge packages, under console storage and optional custom tops on this model. The endurance lifetime flooring is simple to keep clean and the raised consoles make it easy to see ahead while running. Side tackle trays keep your favorite lures ready for action.

Key Features

No wood all metal construction

Side tackle trays

Endurance lifetime warranty flooring

Standard gauge package

One-piece bottom with lifting strakes for performance

Raised consoles

Built-in fuel tank

Specifications

American Angler 18 Phantom Specifications

Length Overall

18' 2''

Dry Weight

980 lbs.

Beam

85''

Tested Weight

N/A

Draft

N/A

Fuel Cap

38 gal.

Deadrise/Transom

N/A

Water Cap

N/A

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Engine Options

American Angler 18 Phantom Engine options

Std. Power

Not Available

Tested Power

1 x 115-hp Mercury Optimax

Opt. Power

Not Available

American Angler 18 Phantom Photo Gallery

American Angler 18 Phantom Captain's Report

American Angler 18 Phantom

By Capt. Rob Smith

American Angler, part of the Smoker Craft family of boats, is one solid fishing machine. This model is designed with raised consoles for better view underway, better performance with lifting and turning strakes and fishing features to make it easy for you to concentrate on catching fish.

Starting at the bow, our test model had rails. I rarely see it, but this model has a jam cleat to grab the anchor line which is easy to set and release when you are in a hurry. Showing her utilitarian features, there are strips of aggrieve grip tape for sure footing on a damp deck. You won’t have a hard time finding the bow light when needed, the Phantom has it stored in clips under the lid of the bow storage box. The full framed windshield has a flip-over walkthrough with a snap-on lower air dam to keep the cold air from reaching the cockpit on chilly mornings.

Stepping into the cockpit, you have two pedestal seats that are cushioned well for comfort and have slide and swivel adjustments. The raised consoles and high windshield provide great view and protection from spray and wind. The navigator/companion side has a glove box to store your wallets and fishing licenses as well as other items you want to keep dry. There is a drink holder for your companion’s coffee or cold drink and a grab handle for an extra measure of security when it gets rough. Below the dash is a tray with vinyl edge cover on the lip to keep loose items corralled. A storage box at the floor level can hold spare batteries, trolling motor batteries or a bunch of loose items like gloves and sun screens.

Moving over to the driver’s station, you also have a raised console with good visibility all around. The standard gauge set includes speedometer, voltometer, tachometer and fuel gauges. If you want to add additional electronics, like a fish finder or GPS, you have plenty of landscape around the dash. Switches are protected by push button breakers and steering is standard no-feedback with padded tilt wheel. Another tackle tray is built in under the dash and a matching box to the companion storage is at floor level.

The cockpit is spacious for working lines, pots or trolling gear. You will really appreciate the Endurance flooring when time to clean up after a heavy day of fishing. Under the starboard gunwale is a three rod rack and side tackle tray to keep your favorite gear ready. Over on the port side on our model was a folding jump seat, another three rod rack and a livewell in the seat base. Folding down the seat back gives you easy access to another rod rack and tackle tray on the port side. Gunwale tops are plenty sturdy to add additional equipment like electric reels and trolling gear. Ours had electric gear already installed with plugs in the aft wall corners. The aft wall is also wide enough to use as a walkway from the gunwales. In each corner are rod holders for trolling or storage between fishing holes.

When you need to check the batteries and pumps, access couldn’t be much simpler than the snap on cover across the stern. Overhead we had a bimini for protection from the sun and rain. I would prefer to see quick releases on the bimini so I can easily leave it behind when I don’t want to carry the weight or need the protection.

The 18 Phantom measures 18’2” length overall. She has a stable 85” beam width. She is rated for a maximum 150hp outboard with a 38 gallon fuel tank. This model weighs only 980 lbs without the engine and has a capacity of 1400lbs people and gear.

I tested the Phantom on a very windy inland Lake Wawasee in Indiana. She handled very well around the docks but did seem to be easy to blow out or cavitate in turns. At typical speeds and normal turns, she handled well. She was very quiet for an aluminum design. I found her top speed to be around 42.7mph at 5000rpm. Her best cruise on that day measured 29.4mph at 3500rpm for a maximum range of 191 miles on a full tank.

If you enjoy the rough waters, hard fishing and simple life, the 18 Phantom will certainly provide more than expected.

American Angler 18 Phantom Test Result Highlights

Top speed for the American Angler 18 Phantom is 42.7 mph (68.7 kph), burning 9.1 gallons per hour (gph) or 34.44 liters per hour (lph).

Best cruise for the American Angler 18 Phantom is 29.4 mph (47.3 kph), and the boat gets 5.59 miles per gallon (mpg) or 2.38 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 191 miles (307.38 kilometers).

Standard and Optional Equipment

American Angler 18 Phantom Standard and Optional Equipment

= Standard = Optional

American Angler 18 Phantom Warranty

American Angler 18 Phantom Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.